How to write for younger readers
Are you passionate about writing stories that will inspire younger audiences? Read on for more information about our specialised courses on how to write for children and young adults.
Young Adult & Middle Grade Fiction
Whether you are writing for a middle-grade reader (typically children aged 8 to 12 years old) or are gearing your writing toward a young adult audience, our courses are designed to help take you from first idea to final draft.
We offer both a short six-week online course, led YA author Patrice Lawrence, and a more in-depth three-month selective-entry course with workshops and tutorials.
Writing YA & Middle Grade Fiction
Write captivating stories for younger readers with award-winning children’s fiction and YA author Patrice Lawrence. 6 weeks.
Writing YA & Children's Fiction – Three Months
Join a group of 15 writers for three months of expert teaching, workshops and tutorials from prize-winning YA and children’s author Catherine Johnson.
I went in an enthusiast, but left with a much more professional outlook. Catherine really pushed us – every sentence had to work hard, every character needed to feel real…
Author of Ghostcloud
Children's Picture Book courses
Our online picture book courses are suitable for complete beginners and those who want to learn more and improve their skills. Choose from one of our six-week courses in writing or illustration or take the combined ten-week course.
Illustrating a Children's Picture Book
Bestselling and prolific children’s book illustrator and author, Sarah McIntyre, guides you through the fundamentals of children’s picture book illustration. 6 weeks.
Writing a Children's Picture Book
Popular children’s book author and illustrator David O’Connell guides you through the unwritten rules of writing children’s picture book text. 6 weeks.
Writing & Illustrating a Children's Picture Book
Sarah McIntyre and David O'Connell share insights into both sides picture book creation. Perfect for budding illustrators and writers. 10 weeks.
The CBC course was where my career as a children’s author began. I had a little baby at the time, so the flexibility to watch the videos and do the weekly tasks in my own time was perfect for me.
Author of I Am NOT a Prince